Atty. John K. Powers
John Powers has represented the interests of catastrophically injured individuals for over 50 years. For more than 35 consecutive years, he has been selected by a nationwide vote as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" for his representation of plaintiffs in three separate areas of practice: “medical malpractice law”; “product liability litigation”; and “personal injury litigation.” In 2013, John was named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers in America in the field of medical malpractice law - Plaintiffs.
Profile Summary
About John K. Powers at a glance
John K. Powers is an attorney based in Albany, New York, practforg at Powers & Santola LLP. Admitted to practice in New York, All Courts. Educated at Albany Law School of Union University (J.D., 1972) and University of Notre Dame (B.A., 1969). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026). Serands clients in Albany, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- John Powers has represented the interests of catastrophically injured individuals for over 50 years
- For more than 35 consecutive years, he has been selected by a nationwide vote as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" for his representation of plaintiffs in three separate areas of practice: “medical malpractice law”
- “product liability litigation”
- and “personal injury litigation.” In 2013, John was named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers in America in the field of medical malpractice law - Plaintiffs
- The New York State Legislature recognized John’s lifetime of professional and community service by a Legislative Resolution which declared: “Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others that John K. Powers has displayed throughout his life.” His firm, Powers & Santola, has repeatedly been selected by US News and World Report as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” for representing plaintiffs in medical malpractice, product liability, and personal injury cases
- A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Albany Law School, John is a nationally-recognized authority on catastrophic injury's medical and legal aspects
- He is the Co-Founder and a former President of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers
- a former President of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association
- a former President of the Capital District Trial Lawyers Association
- a former Chair of the Trial Lawyers Section of the New York State Bar Association and served as a member of the House of Delegates of the New York State Bar Association
- John is a Past-President of the prestigious Melvin M. Belli Society
- He served as a member of the National Board of Governors of the American Association for Justice [AAJ] (formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America [ATLA]) from 1990 until 2004
- He served two terms as a member of the association's Executive Committee
- He is one of only 30 lawyers in the nation to be granted the status of "Life Member" in AAJ
- John is a former member of the National Board of Directors of the National Academy of Trial Advocacy, has been awarded the rank of Advocate by the American Board of Trial Advocates, and is a Charter Senior Life Fellow of the Foundation of the American Board of Trial Advocates
- In addition to his service to the legal profession, John served as First Vice-President and General Counsel of the Brain Injury Association of New York State and has been granted Life Membership in that organization and the National Brain Injury Association
- A Co-Founder of the National College of Advocacy and former President of the New York State Trial Lawyers Institute, John is in frequent demand as a speaker, particularly in advocating on behalf of individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries
- He has served as a chairperson or lecturer at more than 500 programs throughout the United States and Canada
- John has published many books, chapters, and articles on legal issues, including a chapter in The National Head Injury Foundation Guide to the: Analysis, Understanding, and Presentation of Cases Involving Traumatic Brain Injury
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in New York
Practforg law in New York. Legal matters in New York are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand law. Cases originating in Albany are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New York state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New York brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantiand law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New York courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
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